Life Lately: Festivals, Family, and Finding My Routine Again
Catching Up After the Craziest Two Weeks
Okay…hi!!! I feel like I’ve lived three different lives since my last post from St. Pete during St. Pete Country Fest. The fest was an absolute whirlwind in the best way — high energy, a little chaotic, totally unforgettable, and such an incredible success.
St. Pete Country Fest Recap
There is truly nothing like walking into a festival that your husband dreamed up from scratch and seeing it actually alive. Day One felt surreal — the crowd, the stage, the energy, all of it. I kept catching myself smiling like an idiot and crying happy tears because it was one of those “wow, we really did this” moments.
Everyone was dressed to impress with the Rock & Roll Rodeo theme, and while I love a good outfit moment, my favorite accessory was Braxton by my side any chance I got to see him! (Cheesy, but true.)
Treaty Oak Revival brought the absolute house down! That night is one I’ll truly never forget.
The Dress Disaster Heard Around SPCF
Refusing to link a dress of such poor quality — sorry! Boots are from Blossom GVL.
Night Two was coastal country, and my dress was perfect for it — a piece that I was thrilled to make a statement in.
And then she betrayed me.
Right after I wrapped up photos, the dress literally popped open and disintegrated like it had completed its earthly mission. Not a tear, not a rip — a full structural collapse. One dramatic exit. Zero warning. Suddenly I’m standing there holding it together like a human safety pin in a portable bathroom that could not have been more inconvenient.
All I could think was, “Thank God I’m married to the guy who owns this fest so he can get someone to grab me an oversized t-shirt from the merch booth!”
May she rest in pieces.
Cue the unplanned outfit change — painfully on brand. But a perfect example of why I just HAD to ship so many outfit options down there!! :)
Day Three: The Perfect Finale
Day Three was everything a festival finale should be — warm, smooth, effortless, and filled with that collective “this is something special” energy. And when Red Clay Strays headlined to close out the night, it was honestly breathtaking. Their set was emotional, powerful, and the exact tone you dream of when you imagine the final moment of a weekend like this. It was one of those performances that settles into your bones and makes you so proud you can hardly stand it. The perfect ending to a weekend that exceeded every expectation. I still get chills just thinking about it!
The Road Trip + Pups
After the festival madness, we loaded up the car and made the long drive back to South Carolina. The pups slept like they performed all weekend. Just kept reminding myself that it wouldn’t have been the same wonderful trip without sweet Bowman and Pepe :) but we need to figure out how to get a return private plane next time, LOL.
Thanksgiving: Organized Chaos at Its Finest
We got home and immediately jumped into hosting Thanksgiving three days later.
It was our 4th year hosting our entire blended family, AKA my favorite day of the year, so I wasn’t letting our busy schedule prevent us from carrying on the tradition!
Thank God for my mom and Aunt Callie, who arrived on Tuesday like two guardian angels armed with grocery lists, timelines, and a “Greyson, we’ve got this” energy that kept me from unraveling. They had everything running so smoothly it actually looked like I had my life together. They got a little carried away and even helped me clean out my closet, Braxton’s closet, AND our cup & spice cabinets! I keep telling them it’s time to start their own company lol.
Between Braxton’s side and my side, we had 26 people under one roof. Twenty-six! Pure, joyful, loud, heart-filling chaos. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ve already started planning next year’s menu :)
Linking this food warming mat that kept our food warm while all 26 people rotated using the oven/stove!! It’s a must-have for your next gathering.
Finally…Being Home Home
Once the dishes were washed, the leftovers were tucked away, and the house finally exhaled after being filled with 26 people, we slid back into real life.
My bed.
My coffee routine.
My favorite spot on the couch where I like to work.
The normal level of chaos — which now feels blissfully manageable after the festival → road trip → holiday trifecta.
It feels grounding to finally be home-home and back in a rhythm…although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the St. Pete sunshine just a little bit!
If you’re also just now coming up for air after fall madness — same. We’re doing great.
More posts coming now that I’m finally still long enough to open my personal laptop again.